Search by Name

Search by Name

Gordon W. Duff Sr.

1923 - 2022

Gordon W. Duff Sr. obituary, 1923-2022, Pittsfield, MA

BORN

1923

DIED

2022

FUNERAL HOME

Dwyer Family Funeral Home

776 North Street

Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Gordon Duff Obituary

Mr. Gordon W. Duff, Sr., 98, of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 23, 2022. Born in Brockton, MA, on December 14, 1923, the son of the late Daniel and Joanna Ivers Duff, he graduated from Brockton High School and later earned an associate's degree in electrical engineering and a bachelor's degree in technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Gordon was a World War II veteran. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946 as a Radar Repairman and Rifle Marksman, grade t/4 (addressed as sergeant), in Co C 580th Signal Aircraft Warning, stationed in Hawaii. Decorations and citations include the Good Conduct Medal, The Victory Medal, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, and the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon.

Gordon was employed by General Electric, where he worked as design engineer for Naval Ordnance. His first project was designing wire guided torpedoes. Over the years, he worked on fire control guidance systems, aircraft automatic pilot systems, Trident and Poseidon missile guidance systems, and numerous other projects. He dedicated thirty-six years of service until his retirement in 1985.

He was a man of honor and integrity, intellect, and humor. Multitalented and skilled, Gordon believed that you could learn to do anything. He built a cottage, a speeding hydroplane, repaired cars and radios and televisions; he helped his son build a house in Becket. And when the computer age arrived, he was ready and able to tackle the technology as it developed. His grandchildren loved talking about their tech savvy "Pa" to their friends. He enjoyed the arts: photography and painting and big band music. He was athletic and an ardent waterskier, alpine skier, parasailing enthusiast, and sailor (he even took classes in celestial navigation to hone his sailing skills). Gordon shared these passions with his children and grandchildren who loved accompanying him on his adventures. A major team sports fan, having played in his youth, he was delighted when grandchildren and great grandchildren took up baseball and football. To him it was like watching the Red Sox or Patriots, whose games he watched faithfully and enthusiastically. He respected and enjoyed nature; family camping was summer vacation for many years. Gordon had a green thumb, growing the most difficult houseplants with ease. He was a voracious reader and history buff. After retirement, he became interested in family genealogy, traveling to Nova Scotia to track his roots. He also enjoyed solving challenging puzzles and crossword puzzles.

Family was always most important to him. He adored spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren as they did with him. Nothing could top Pa's animal pancakes, bingo calling, boat rides, and games. His love and kindness were not limited to immediate family though. He was a thoughtful and caring uncle and loyal and dependable friend and companion. He was and is unforgettable.

Gordon was predeceased by his beloved wife of forty-five years, the former Marjorie Snow, whom he married on August 16, 1946 and his son, Gordon Duff Jr. The youngest of seven, he was also predeceased by his brothers, Earl, Hugh, Donald, Eugene, and John, and his sister Daisy. He is survived by his daughters, Jo-Ann Callaghan and Polly Duff (Christopher Lapidus), his daughter- in- law, Deborah Duff, as well as 7 grandchildren: Kari LeBeau (Jeffrey), Abbie Callaghan, Darci Niedzwiecki (Ryan), Michaela Malloy (Thomas), Matthew Duff, Emily Duff, Lydia Duff, and eight great grandchildren: Micah, Keegan, and Ethan LeBeau, Brayden Gerlitz, George and Leo Niedzwiecki, and Elana and Bennet Malloy.

Funeral Notice:

Funeral services for Mr. Gordon W. Duff, Sr., will be private. Calling hours will be Wednesday, May 4, 2022, from 4pm to 5:30 pm at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield MA 01201. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association, heart.org or the Hunter Seven Foundation, hunterseven.org. Please visit www.dwyerfuneral.com to leave condolences and remembrance



To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Apr. 30, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Gordon Duff

Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Bob Bugley

May 2, 2022

I was privileged to work with Gordon at GE for nearly 30 years. He was an accomplished engineer, and was respected by all of his colleagues for his skill, integrity, and honesty. Most of all he was a fine guy. Please accept my sincerest sympathies.

American Heart Association

May 2, 2022

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Mark Godfrey

May 2, 2022

An extraordinary man. I always enjoyed talking to Gordon and he was kind thoughtful man. He was a special friend to my father and I will always remember his kindness.

Mark Trembley

April 30, 2022

Gordon was just a great guy. Glad to have known him for many years and have been able to call him my friend.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Gordon Duff's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Gordon Duff

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Dwyer Family Funeral Home

776 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201

How to support Gordon's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Gordon Duff's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more